I was recently challenged by the folks who make Philadelphia Cooking Creme to swap out one of our usual dinner meals with one of their Fresh Family Favorite meals. I have never tried Philly Cooking Creme, so I was definitely up to the challenge!

Philly posts new Fresh Family Favorite recipes each month. This month they are featuring Creamy Chicken Florentine, Baked Penne, and Shrimp & Broccoli Fettuccine. I decided on the Baked Penne, since I had everything at the house for it. This dish couldn't have been easier. It was so simple that Chicken Legs said even he could make it. (I might take him up on that next time.) The verdict? Two thumbs up! The cooking creme added a ton of flavor and make the pasta wonderfully creamy. I am already thinking of all the recipes that I could use this in. I can't believe that I waited so long to give the Philadelphia Cooking Creme a try! If you are still on the hunt for a Valentine's Day dinner - give this a try! You won't regret it!

Yield: serves 4

Baked Penne

prep time: 10 MINScook time: 20 MINStotal time: 30 mins

ingredients:

1/2 lb. extra-lean ground beef or Italian Sausage

1/2 cup chopped onions

1/2 cup green peppers (I left this out b/c I don't like green peppers)

Oh my - anything with cream cheese in is has to be good! I've not tried the cooking cream, but I will definitely be making the Baked Penne. Id also like to try the savory garlic scalloped potatoes and the chicken, broccoli & potato divan. Love your blok and just made the M&M Cakies and the Sausage Cheese Muffins last night!

I made a chicken and pasta dish using the Philly Italian Cheese and Herb. My family said the meal was restraurant worthy! Tasted just like a dish i get at Chili's. Yum! Will definately be using Philly alot! brody.neal04@gmail.com

I have tried several flavors and love them all but the garlic & herb is my favorite. I boil penne, brown a chicken breast, steam some broccoli and mix it all together with some cooking cream for a quick and easy chicken alfredo...

I am embarrassed to admit though, I have yet to try this fabulous new product. All of the recipes sound de lish and I don't know which one I want to try first!!! I'm thinking I'm going to start with the Chicken Florentine Casserole though.

I am now a follower on Twitter and FB, and look forward to more Philly Cooking Creme recipes!

Your dish looks delicious Steph and while we use lots of their regular cream cheese, we've not tried the Cooking Creme. I would go with the Shrimp & Broccoli Fettuccine to see how it compares with alfredo sauce and I have everything but it on hand. I'll look for it in the market.

Hi, Steph. The chicken enchilada supreme recipe on the Philly website looks like one I would like to try. Haven't tried the cooking cream yet. Looks interesting. Might be good in your crockpot potato soup (using shredded hashbrowns). Made it twice. Hubby really likes it!!

I have only used it once so far...I used the Italian Cheese and Garlic with some precooked chicken strips, a little bit of broth, cooked penne and a bag of frozen broccoli, cauliflower and carrot mix. It was delicious and super quick and easy.

The penne and the chicken strips were leftovers and I love the cream for use of leftovers since my daughter usually turns her nose up at leftovers...it was great to turn it into something completely new.

I have never tried the Philedelphia Cooking Cream but as I was looking through the recipes on cookphilly.com I came across the Ceaser-Chicken Salad Panini. That sandwich looks really good so I think I will try it! I love using my panini press, although I don't use it as often as I like. So what a better reason to break it out and try this recipe!My email is skarn1@comcast.net

Thank you Kraft for making the Cooking Creme! I never remember to leave out regular cream cheese to warm up and end up microwaving it. What a mess! Cooking Creme is so easy and the consistency is so much better too. This is the perfect creation for a busy mom!

I already liked Philly Cream cheese FB page. I am a HUGE fan of Cream Cheese and use it quite a bit in most all my pasta dishes. My fave is to add the Italian and Herb on to my spaghetti. Oh it makes it so creamy. Also, now they have the chocolate ones. Hello, what took them so long. FANTASTIC! My daughter and I used the white chocolate version and dipped strawberries in it just this past weekend. WOW! Thanks for the chance to win and keep those great recipes coming. My fourteen year old asks for your CRACK bread every chance she gets. Yummy!! Cmogles@gmail.com

I have added the Philadelphia CC to other recipes and love to use the garlic flavored in the "Creamed Spinach" recipes! It is to die for! Top with some fresh parmesan cheese, bake and what a wonderful side dish! And easy!

I had never even heard of this product - but I LOVE Philly Cream Cheese and use it all the time. After looking over the recipes, I'm printing out the following to try:Tex-Mex Beef & Rice CasseroleEasy Chicken EnchiladasCreamy Bacon FettuccineSausage & Peppers RotiniThanks for sharing!!

I LOVE all the cooking cremes, but am UBER EXCITED!! about Kraft coming out with a 1/3 less fat versions!! I use the sauces all the time. A couple of spoonfuls in scrambled eggs - AMAZING!! Not just for dinner anymore. :-) Hope I win!!

Steph your penne looks so creamy and cheesey and wonderful! I have used Philadelpia's Southwest cooking sauce in a baked macaroni and cheese with Chorizo. You're so right about teir sauces making it easier to get dinner on the table.

I haven't tried any of their cooking cremes, but I'd like to try the Tex-Mex Beef & Rice Casserole--It looks YUMMY, and the Santa Fe blend intrigues me. ^_^I both liked Philly on facebook and followed them on twitter.My email address is aehelephant @ gmail . com

I have tried the Santa Fe/Mexican inspired cooking creme. Both times I used it I made a Pasta dish (from their site) using corn and rotel. Delicious! I haven't tried any of the other flavors, but this recipe is now on my list!Lauren TrawickLaurenbtrawick@yahoo.com

I love your blog! Decided I had to follow it after finding 3 recipes in a row on pinterest that made my mouth water (and actually turned out tasty!). I've used Philly Cooking Creme before and it's really easy to keep on hand for a quick dinner. I just kinda make it up as I go.

I made very easy chicken enchiladas with the garlic cooking cream. I mixed leftover chicken, the cooking cream, and a can of diced green chilis. I used this to stuff the flour tortillas, sprinkled in some cheese, and rolled the up. I poured green enchilada sauce over them, more cheese and baked at 350 for 30 min. My sons and husband loved them!I'm glad to see the lower fat version out!

I've tried all of them. I was not impressed with the Italian Herb and Cheese. I've made the enchiladas with the Santa Fe blend. I've also used it warmed up just as a dip for chips. I used the Savory garlic in your cream cheese spaghetti bake and just last week I spread it on chicken and wrapped in bacon. So yummy!

I usually add cream cheese to my potato soup. Now I also add cooking cream. Change up the flavor....garlic, Santa Fe or Italian...and it changes up the flavor of your potato soup. It also makes a great baked potato topper. I love Philadelphia Cooking Creme!rhondaree1958@yahoo.com

I tried the philly cooking creme italian herbs. I used chicken breast tenders and mixed the cooking creme and cream of chicken soup. It was awesome! My fiance, who is very picky, ate 3 helpings! It was awesome and i will certainly use it again!

Another Stephanie here! Love your blog and fantasize about your recipes EVERY DAY... I just don't understand how you stay so thin!!! Anyway, I have used the cooking creme in mashed potatoes instead of milk... makes for some tasty taters!

Another Stephanie here! Love your blog and fantasize about your recipes EVERY DAY... I just don't understand how you stay so thin!!! Anyway, I have used the cooking creme in mashed potatoes instead of milk... makes for some tasty taters!